1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $\frac{8a^2}{6a^4}$. 2. **Formula and rules:** When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents: $\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$. 3. **Simplify the coefficients:** $\frac{8}{6} = \frac{4}{3}$ after dividing numerator and denominator by 2. 4. **Simplify the variables:** $\frac{a^2}{a^4} = a^{2-4} = a^{-2}$. 5. **Combine the results:** $\frac{8a^2}{6a^4} = \frac{4}{3}a^{-2}$. 6. **Rewrite with positive exponent:** $a^{-2} = \frac{1}{a^2}$, so the expression becomes $\frac{4}{3a^2}$. **Final answer:** $$\frac{4}{3a^2}$$